If all of this sounds like too much workand if money is not a problemconsider buying a new PC that includes Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition (starting at around $1,000), like the ones reviewed on page 42. Windows XP MCE can be purchased only as part of a complete system; there is no upgrade version. The advantage is that since you're buying a new system, you'll get all the bells and whistles your two-year-old system lacks, like more memory and hard drive space.

Another alternative is to buy a standalone PVR that doesn't require a PC, like TiVo or ReplayTV (from $199 to more than $1,500; EPG subscription, $12.95 a month or $299 for a lifetime subscription). Standalone devices work very well with your TV set, but only the highest-end models let you burn programs to DVD.

Read More

About the Author

Joel Santo Domingo is the Lead Analyst for the Desktops team at PC Magazine Labs. He joined PC Magazine in 2000, after 7 years of IT work for companies large and small. His background includes managing mobile, desktop and network infrastructure on both the Macintosh and Windows platforms. Joel is proof that you can escape the retail grind: he wore ... See Full Bio

Get Our Best Stories!

This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.